The Saka era or the Shaka era is an ancient Indian calendar system that is believed to have been founded by the Scythians, a nomadic Indo-Iranian people who migrated to India during the 2nd century BC. The Saka era was widely used in ancient India, and it is still used in some parts of the country today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Saka era, its history, and its significance.
The Saka era is a traditional Hindu calendar system that is based on the lunar months. It is believed to have been founded by the Scythians, who migrated to India during the 2nd century BC.
The Saka era is based on the ancient Indian astronomical system, and it is used to determine the dates of various Hindu festivals and ceremonies. The Saka era is also used in official documents in some parts of India.
The Saka era calendar is a lunisolar calendar system that is used in India. The calendar is based on the position of the moon and the sun, and it is used to determine the dates of various Hindu festivals and ceremonies. The Saka era calendar has twelve lunar months, and each month is divided into two fortnights (Paksha). The first fortnight is called the Shukla Paksha, and the second fortnight is called the Krishna Paksha.
Saka Samvat | Gregorian Calendar |
Chhaitra | March 21 – April 20 |
Vaishakha | April 21-May 21 |
Jyeshtha | May 22-June 21 |
Ashadha | June 22- July 22 |
Shravana | July 23-August 22 |
Bhaadra | August 22-September 22 |
Ashwin | September 23-October 22 |
Kartika | October 23-November 21 |
Agrahayana | November 22-December 21 |
Pausha | December 22-January 20 |
Magha | January 21- February 19 |
Phalguna | February 20-March 20/21 |
Some important facts about the Saka calendar:-
UPSC Exam-Related Study Notes | |
Mauryan Empire | Chola Dynasty |
Anglo-Maratha War | 16 Mahajanapadas |
Pala Empire | Gupta Empire |
The Shakas were nomadic people who migrated from Central Asia to India during the 2nd century BC. They established a powerful empire in northwestern India and ruled over the region for several centuries. The Shakas were known for their military prowess, and they were feared by their enemies. They were also great patrons of art and culture, and their influence can be seen in the art and architecture of ancient India.
Ruler | Reign | Notes |
---|---|---|
Maues | 85-60 BCE | Established the Shaka kingdom in northwestern India |
Azes I | 60-20 BCE | Consolidated the Shaka kingdom and expanded its territory |
Vonones | 20-10 BCE | Son of Azes I, possibly ruled jointly with his father |
Strato I | 10 BCE-10 CE | Possibly ruled jointly with his father Vonones |
Strato II | 25-65 CE | Ruled over a divided Shaka kingdom |
Kshatrapa Nahapana | 1st century CE | Established the Western Kshatrapa dynasty after overthrowing the Shakas |
Chashtana | 78 CE – 130 CE | Nahapana was succeeded by King Chashtana. |
Rudradaman I | 2nd century CE | Re-established Shaka rule briefly before being defeated by the Satavahanas |
Jayadaman | 3rd century CE | Ruled over a small Shaka kingdom in Gujarat |
The Shaka era (Saka Era) is an important topic for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination in India, as it is a part of Indian history and culture. Candidates who are preparing for the UPSC examination are expected to have a good understanding of Indian history, including the Shaka era.
Term | Description |
---|---|
Definition | The Saka Era is a historical era used as a chronological reference in some parts of India and Nepal. It starts with the beginning of the Saka calendar, which is believed to have been established by the Shaka king, Maues, in 78 CE. |
Year 0 | The year 0 of the Saka Era corresponds to 78 CE in the Gregorian calendar. |
Usage | The Saka Era is used as an official calendar in some states of India, including Maharashtra, and is used in some government documents and records. It is also used in some religious and cultural contexts, particularly by some Hindu communities. |
Conversion | To convert a date from the Saka Era to the Gregorian calendar, subtract 78 from the Saka year and add 78 to the Gregorian year. For example, the Saka year 1945 corresponds to the Gregorian year 2023 (1945 – 78 + 2023 = 2890). |
Criticism | The use of the Saka Era has been criticized for being ethnocentric and exclusionary, as it is based on the history and culture of a particular region and community. Some have argued that it perpetuates a divisive and sectarian mindset and should be replaced by a more inclusive and universal system. |
The Saka Era is a historical era used as a chronological reference in some parts of India and Nepal. It starts with the beginning of the Saka calendar, which is believed to have been established by the Shaka king, Maues, in 78 CE.
The Saka Era is significant as it is used as an official calendar in some states of India, including Maharashtra, and is used in some government documents and records. It is also used in some religious and cultural contexts, particularly by some Hindu communities.
The Saka Era is calculated by subtracting 78 from the Saka year and adding 78 to the Gregorian year. For example, the Saka year 1945 corresponds to the Gregorian year 2023 (1945 - 78 + 2023 = 2890).
The Saka Era is primarily used in India and Nepal, but it is also recognized as an official calendar in some Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
The Ganga is the longest river in India. The Ganga plays a very important role…
One of the main reasons why a large number of candidates participate in the PSC…
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has already announced the MPSC Rajyaseva Exam Date for…
UPSC Calendar 2025 Out: The UPSC Calendar 2025 has been released by the Union Public…
Candidates preparing for the UPPSC Exam are advised to enhance their study strategy by utilizing…
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) annually conducts the Service Examination to fill various Group…